On July 24, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a sweeping Executive Order titled “Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets.” The order marks a major shift in national homelessness policy, prioritizing public safety, enforcement, and treatment over the Housing First model that has dominated federal funding for over a decade.
In simple terms: cities that enforce bans on encampments and open drug use will be rewarded. Cities that don’t will risk losing federal support.
So where does that leave Dallas?
Dallas has cleared over 1,800 encampments since 2021, putting it ahead of cities that allow open-air homelessness to persist. But the city still heavily funds Housing First programs that don’t require sobriety, and harm reduction efforts that now conflict with federal directives.
With over $15 million in HUD funding and a total homeless budget north of $20 million, Dallas has a decision to make. If it aligns with the new national policy direction, it could gain additional federal resources. If it doesn’t, key grants may be pulled or redirected elsewhere.
The Executive Order emphasizes treatment-first models, civil commitment for those who pose a danger to themselves or others, and defunding programs that enable addiction. It also aims to hold local systems accountable—something many Dallas residents have been demanding for years.
Organizations like Keep Dallas Safe have been calling out the failures of Housing First and demanding a return to structure, safety, and outcomes that actually help people. This EO validates many of those concerns.
What’s Next?
The future of homelessness policy in Dallas depends on how city leadership responds. Will they double down on the status quo—or take this moment to audit spending, prioritize sobriety-based shelters, and enforce common-sense public safety laws?
Either way, the message from Washington is clear: the days of funding failure are coming to an end.
